Sports

The Battle of the Hinduites; A big match in more than one way

Published

4 years ago

2022/06/1

Hindu College Colombo Team

The year was 2001. A twelve-year-old was smashing the opposing bowlers all around the park in a Colombo suburb. The coach knew this was something special. The kid reached a hundred in an under 13 game, anyone who has played cricket at any level would know the significance of that achievement. The next morning it was the school assembly. The fifteen odd members who had witnessed the prowess of a potential star in the making were eager to hear the announcement of the special feat the day before. What an anticlimax it turned out to be; it did not even get a mention during the assembly. The kid and his feat went unnoticed and with time the expectations of our society took precedence and probably a star in making went into oblivion. He probably may not have been the only one.

This is where cricket stood, two decades ago in one of the leading Tamil educational institutions in Colombo down Lorenz Road. At about the same time at Ananda College, students would flock to the ground to see a new kid from Ambalangoda decimate bowling attacks; Dinesh Chandimal. Students at Royal would not stop talking of a certain name Bhanuka Rajapakse. They would continue to be the flag bearers for him even years after because they knew the potential in store. In Sri Lanka, cricket is a religion, a tool that unites a country that tends to stand divided on every little issue. Perhaps because of that, it’s ingrained in the schooling system, resulting in many stars walking into national colors out of school directly. Cricket isn’t a sport alone. It feeds off the environment it exists within our schooling system. The cheers, the backings, emotions, and narratives all play a part in its thriving resulting in the birth of stars for the future.

In this Ecosystem, big matches are a pivotal component. They provide the audience for young sportsmen to exhibit their skills under pressure. With a thousand eyes zooming in, the ability to perform is a skill that will serve one within and beyond the field. The big match rivalries in the country are spoken of highly globally. No wonder as most of those who walk into national setups have made their names in big matches. Down South, people speak about how the lazy elegance and consistency of Dananjaya De Silva made them feel he was destined for national honors sooner than later. Richmondites would take pride in the fact that almost all from one of their big match teams ended up in the national side. The Josephians down Darley Road have ruled the Sri Lankan setup In recent times. There are enough tales surrounding their exploits. One that stands out is national test skipper Dimuth Karunaratne smacking the first ball of their two-day encounter for a six at P Sara. These aren’t just events or stories. They are legacies and priceless memories. They create a culture and inspire youngsters to take up the beautiful game. Everyone will not end in national colors. But taking up this beautiful game will result in balanced individuals walking out into society from their respective alma matter at least. Anything, in addition, is a bonus.

The stage for a teenager to perform when everybody is watching is one of the best things that one could ask for. It teaches you many things which the textbooks cannot. Big matches aren’t about glitz and glamour. They are about molding raw stones into beautiful masterpieces. But they aren’t confined to it alone. They provide the opportunity for all to connect with their roots every year. Relive the memories along the glorious corridors and cauldrons of their alma matters.

The 11th battle of the Hindus scheduled for the 10th and 11th of June at Jaffna is exactly that. It’s an opportunity that is provided for the skilled teens to display their skills and show what they are made out of when everyone is watching. It’s an opportunity to create narratives that will live beyond the test of time.

Two decades down the line from an environment where the superlative efforts of a kid in cricket were missed amidst other priorities to many putting time and effort to make the Big Match a big-ticket item in the sporting calendar, the cricketing culture has taken a turn for good at the school down Lorenz Road.

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Sports

Nestomalt run for Sri Lanka on Sunday

Published

6 hours ago

2026/01/30

Thilina Walpola

Nestomalt Run for Sri Lanka Marathon 2026, organised by SingleTree Events, will be held in the city of Galle on 1 February 2026, from 6.00 a.m. onwards, bringing together runners, families, and communities for a morning fuelled by purpose and energy.

‎Designed to be inclusive and high-spirited, the Nestomalt Run for Sri Lanka Marathon 2026 features four running categories catering to all ages and fitness levels – from seasoned athletes to families running together. The categories include: 21.1 km – Elite Run, 10 km – Challengers Run, 5 km – Fun Run, 2 km – Family Run.

‎More than just a race, the Nestomalt Run for Sri Lanka Marathon carries a powerful cause at its heart, with all proceeds directed to the Rebuilding Sri Lanka Fund, reinforcing the collective spirit of giving back and thriving together as a nation.

‎True to its legacy, Nestomalt continues to champion active lifestyles, encouraging Sri Lankans to push boundaries and take on life with Power, Strength, and Energy. By supporting initiatives like the Nestomalt Run for Sri Lanka Marathon, the brand reaffirms its commitment to uplifting communities while inspiring healthier, more active living. With energy in every step and purpose in every run, Nestomalt is set to help power a memorable start to Run for Sri Lanka Marathon 2026.

‎Guided by its purpose of ‘unlocking the power of food to enhance quality of life for everyone, today and for generations to come’, Nestlé Lanka has been enriching Sri Lankan lives for 120 years, nourishing generations with tasty, and nutritious products across the country.

Sports

Kumarasiri shines as Sri Sumangala earn first innings points against Ananda

Published

6 hours ago

2026/01/30

Thilina Walpola

Left-arm spinner Mevindu Kumarasiri came up with another impressive bowling performance, taking seven wickets as Sri Sumangala College Panadura took first innings points against Ananda College in the Under 19 Division I Tier ‘B’ cricket encounter at Ananda Mawatha on Thursday.

‎In the Tier A matche concluded on Thursday, Mahanama and Prince of Wales took first innings wins.

‎Results

‎Tier B

‎Sri Sumangala take first innings points at Ananda Mawatha

‎Scores

‎Sri Sumangala 272 all out in 71 overs (Pansilu Silva 35, Neksha Iddamalgoda 86, Bihanga Silva 30, Umantha Akash 21, Sadika Damyuru 24, Dinusha Dulanjana 23; Chamathka Irusha 2/35, Himira Kudagama 4/34) and 139 all out in 51.1 overs (Neksha Iddamalgoda 38; Himira Kudagama 6/54)

‎Ananda 208 all out in 66 overs (Danindu Sellapperuma 75, Himira Kudagama 26, Kithma Vidanapathirana 29, Lithma Perera 29, Rashan Dilaksha 21; Mevindu Kumarasiri 7/69, Bihanga Silva 2/32) and 17 for no loss in 4 overs

‎Tier A

‎Cambrians on first innings win against Maris Stella at Kadirana

‎Scores

‎Prince of Wales 310 all out in 76.3 overs (Suwas Fernando 84, Pramesh Fernando 88, Oshan de Silva 49; Hashmika Nethshan 6/24) and 167 for 5 in 37 overs (Oshan de Silva 40, Pramesh Fernando 75, Pasan Cooray 31; Savindu Sathsara 3/29)

‎Maris Stella

257 all out in 72.3 overs (Hansaka Perera 20, Kavith de Silva 91, Hashmika Nethshan 36; Nethul Anuhas 4/72, Oshan de Silva 3/20)

‎Mahanama post 342 for nine at Uyanwatta

‎‎Scores

‎St. Servatius’ 237 all out in 71.1 overs (Risinu Kithmuka 64, Thathsilu Bandara 92; Geeth Sandaruwan 2/41, Sithum Vihanga 4/57) and and 126 for 7 decl. in 41 overs (Tharul Weerarathne 57n.o., Binal Nethmaka 24; Geeth Sandaruwan 3/24, Kaushika Thilakarathne 2/09, Thenuja Rashmin 2/28)

‎Mahanama 116 for 1 overnight 342 for 9 decl. in 73 overs (Sineth Veerarathne 75, Kaushika Thilakarathne 35, Venura Kaveethra 27, Sanul Weerarathne 34, Sithuma Vihanga 24, Gimantha Dissanayake 71, Thaviru Perera 38; Samiru Gimhan 3/52, Praveen Madushanka 3/84, Lasindu Ramanayake 2/122) (RF)

Sports

Sri Lanka draft in KJP for England T20Is

Published

6 hours ago

2026/01/30

Thilina Walpola

Kusal Janith Perera has returned to the T20 side.

Sanity has finally prevailed as Kusal Janith Perera has been drafted into Sri Lanka’s T20 squad for the series against England at Pallekele, a move that strongly suggests the prolific left-hander remains firmly in the World Cup frame. Eyebrows had been raised when selectors earlier signalled that KJP was not part of their World Cup plans, but with time running out and options thinning, they have been forced into a late U-turn. The first T20I gets underway today.

Pavan Rathnayake has also been rewarded with a call-up following his maiden international hundred in the final ODI against England, but Kamindu Mendis, groomed for months as a key cog in Sri Lanka’s World Cup plans, has been left out in the cold. With selections changing course at the eleventh hour, much of the long-term planning ahead of a home World Cup appears to have gone for a toss.

Despite the recent selection jitters, Sri Lanka have made notable strides in white-ball cricket over the last two years, underlined by series wins over heavyweight opponents such as India and Australia. With a bit of patience and perseverance, the team has shown signs of rediscovering the glory days when they were trendsetters of the game, from pinch-hitting at the top to wide yorkers at the death and mystery spinners running through line-ups.

Fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera, rested during the ODI series, has been recalled for the T20Is and is expected to be a key weapon at the World Cup. Blessed with extra pace and the ability to hit the deck hard, Chameera brings both venom and accuracy, a rare combination in the shortest format. While Sri Lanka boast several pace options, Chameera remains the strike bowler capable of rattling batters and breaking partnerships.

Star leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, who was rested for the first two ODIs, returned for the series decider but struggled towards the back end of the contest. Captain Dasun Shanaka attributed his struggles to cramps, playing down concerns ahead of the T20 campaign.

While Colombo served up sweltering heat and humidity during the ODIs, conditions in the hill capital are expected to be far more forgiving. Pallekele is set for full houses across the three-match series, adding to the carnival atmosphere.

England, ranked third in the world, arrive as leading contenders for the World Cup semi-finals. They are unbeaten in their last seven bilateral series, winning five and drawing two and will see the Sri Lanka tour as a crucial tune-up.

Pallekele will host seven matches of the T20 World Cup, including the high-profile clash between Sri Lanka and Australia scheduled for February 16.

Rex Clementine ✍️
at Pallekele